Javier: In Ommen, Netherlands I lived one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I would
never have expected to connect with so many people in such a short period of time. I would
like to start with… THE FOOD. I want to thank the team that provided us with the
energy to keep working day by day. My goal was to learn and that’s what I did. Before I started, I didn’t know much about storytelling techniques and I never had contact with queer community in such a direct way. For example, no one had ever asked me what my pronouns are.
In the project I met some wonderful colleagues. Together we created a safe space where we were not afraid to talk about our stories. As the days went by, we opened up more and more and it was wonderful to be part of this process. On top of all this, I made time to travel around the country by myself. I had never done anything similar before and the result was more than satisfactory. I will never forget a second of this adventure. Many thanks to those who made this opportunity possible for and putting your trust in me. As a worker with children and adolescents, I am willing to do my bit and change the future. See you in June!
Jesus: My experience in the project has been truly enriching and transformative. During my
participation in this project, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and
learn about the struggles and challenges faced by LGTBIQ+ individuals in that country. I also
learned a little bit more about storytelling.
Working alongside my partners has allowed me to broaden my perspective and understand the importance of solidarity and mutual support in the fight for equality. Additionally, I was able to contribute my skills and knowledge to strengthen initiatives in support of sexual and gender equality. The sex education was also very important as I discovered new things I had never heard of. During this project, I also had the opportunity to meet incredible people who shared their stories and experiences, inspiring me to continue working towards a more inclusive and respectful world. This experience has motivated me to remain committed to advocating for LGTBIQ+ rights both locally and internationally, and has taught me the importance of empathy and solidarity in building a more just and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I also enjoyed a lot the food and the rooms where we slept. It was a wonderful experience.
Angela: This experience was so intense, deep, and enriching for many reasons. I really
appreciate the safer place that we could create with the will and contribution of
us all. When I returned home, I realized that these days I gave myself the oportunity to
flow in the art of movements, theatre and painting, no matter how I was doing it, no matter if
it was “wrong” or “right”. I realized about it when I returned home, because even though I
love how I feel when I experience in myself the movement of dancing, or the adrenaline of
theatre, I don’t find the space and time for doing it there.
I loved the way in wich we talked about the different topics, and the intersectional perspective that we used. I found very important that the facilitators take into account so many aspects to make everyone confortable. I have the sensation that I could learn and integrate things that I knew. In a way I could live a parallel reality that I hope can be part of my future.
Berta: I think I lack the words to comment on my experience, I could make some objective comments about the place, the organization or the activities but the really interesting and impacting thing is that I had the opportunity to travel to a future or live in a different present. One in which I want to be, one full of tenderness and love, but also one that calls for action, that wants change so that what we have experienced for a few days becomes a reality. How nice to have met so many beautiful people and through storytelling to have learned, discussed and awakened my curiosity in so many aspects.
The other day I read that we have to tell our stories to survive violence, in Ommen I feel that we have started the butterfly effect of something to come. I can’t wait to go back.